Below are a few of the more frequent questions we are asked.  Please click on a question to view our answer and if you do not see your question below do not hesitate to call us.

When do I need to call my surgeon after surgery?
Increasing pain sustained over a day, fevers > 101 degrees, increasing redness over the incision, drainage from the incision, calf or leg swelling and pain that does resolve not overnight, and bleeding gums/bloody stools or urine.

When do I use ice or Heat?
Ice is used after an initial injury in 15-20 minute blocks.  Place a towel between your skin and the ice.  Ice can cause frostbite so be careful.  Continue using ice for the first 48 hours/after an activity/after the injured area swells.  Stop using the ice when the swelling goes away or it stops hurting.

Use heat to "warm up" the area before stretching or exercises.  When the swelling subsides, heat usually makes the injury feel better.  Be careful as heat can burn you.

When does my broken bone need to be fixed?
Each broken bone is treated differently.  Based on your specific injury, your doctor will discuss what options are best for you.

Am I too old to have surgery? Do I have too many medical problems?
No age is too old.  If you are able to do most things by yourself, but are limited by your injury or arthritis you are probably healthy and young enough to have surgery.  With advances in medicine, anesthesia, and surgery, the risk of surgery is significantly decreased.  If your doctor has a question or concern, he will contact your family doctor.

How do I get my prescription refilled?
Most pain prescriptions include one refill, so first contact your pharmacy and see if you have a refill left.  If not, call your doctor's office and request a refill.  We will review your chart and notify you and the pharmacy.  You must call during business hours to get a refill.  No narcotic medications will be refilled after business hours because of the problem of fraudulent drug seekers and abusers.